Texans quarterbacks through the years

March 9, 2016 2:30 PM

Photo: Karl Stolleis, Chronicle

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Mike Quinn
The first QB ever signed by the team, Quinn served as one of David Carr's backups in 2002 but never played. He signed with the Broncos in 2004 and finished his playing career with the CFL's Winnipeg Blue Bombers. less

Mike Quinn
The first QB ever signed by the team, Quinn served as one of David Carr's backups in 2002 but never played. He signed with the Broncos in 2004 and finished his playing career with the CFL's ... more

Photo: Karl Stolleis, Chronicle

Mike Quinn
The first QB ever signed by the team, Quinn served... Photo-4597148.61970 - Houston Chronicle

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Danny Wuerffel
The Texans selected the former Heisman Trophy winner in the 2002 expansion draft. He never played for the team though, as they dealt him a few weeks later to the Redskins, which proved to be the final stop of his six-year NFL career. less

Danny Wuerffel
The Texans selected the former Heisman Trophy winner in the 2002 expansion draft. He never played for the team though, as they dealt him a few weeks later to the Redskins, which proved to be ... more

Ben Sankey
Signed in March 2002, the Wake Forest product was released prior to the team's inaugural season. He returned to the team in 2003 as a member of the practice squad. The Chicago native played for the Indoor Football League's Allen Wranglers in 2012. less

Ben Sankey
Signed in March 2002, the Wake Forest product was released prior to the team's inaugural season. He returned to the team in 2003 as a member of the practice squad. The Chicago native played for ... more

Kent Graham
The veteran, who played for the Giants, Lions, Cardinals, Steelers and Redskins, was signed in April 2002 and was released in August 2002. He finished his career as a member of Jaguars practice squad. less

Kent Graham
The veteran, who played for the Giants, Lions, Cardinals, Steelers and Redskins, was signed in April 2002 and was released in August 2002. He finished his career as a member of Jaguars practice ... more

Photo: James Nielsen, Chronicle

Kent Graham
The veteran, who played for the Giants, Lions,... Photo-4597151.61970 - Houston Chronicle

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David Carr
The No. 1 overall pick in the 2002 draft, Carr had just 23 victories and was sacked 249 times during his five-year stint with the team. Released in 2007 after the team acquired Matt Schaub, Carr has since played for the Panthers, 49ers and Giants (twice). In Carr's first start (the Texans' first game as a franchise and as a rookie in 2002), he led the Texans to a franchise-opening 19-10 victory over the Dallas Cowboys. He completed 10 of 22 passes for 145 yards and a pair of touchdowns to go along with an interception. less

David Carr
The No. 1 overall pick in the 2002 draft, Carr had just 23 victories and was sacked 249 times during his five-year stint with the team. Released in 2007 after the team acquired Matt Schaub, Carr ... more

Tony Banks
Serving as David Carr's backup for four seasons (2002-2005), Banks only started in three games (with a 2-1 record) but appeared in 15. He had six touchdowns and five interceptions.
Finishing his career in Houston, the Michigan State alum also played for the Rams, Ravens, Cowboys and Redskins. In his first start as a Texan, Banks led the Texans to a 14-10 victory over the Carolina Panthers in 2003. The Panthers ended up losing to the Patriots in the Super Bowl this season. Banks posted a mistake-free game, going 13 for 19 for 154 yards, 1 TD and 0 INTs. less

Tony Banks
Serving as David Carr's backup for four seasons (2002-2005), Banks only started in three games (with a 2-1 record) but appeared in 15. He had six touchdowns and five interceptions. Finishing his ... more

Dave Ragone
Drafted in the third round in 2003, Ragone started two games (lost both) that season; he never threw a touchdown but did throw one interception and fumbled four times. Ragone finished his playing career as a member of the Rams practice squad in 2006. He currently serves as Washington's offensive quality control coach. In Ragone's first start with the Texans (in 2003), the offense was shutout in a 27-0 loss to the Jaguars. Ragone went 11 for 23 for 71 yards and 1 INT. less

Dave Ragone
Drafted in the third round in 2003, Ragone started two games (lost both) that season; he never threw a touchdown but did throw one interception and fumbled four times. Ragone finished his playing ... more

Drew Henson
Picked in the sixth round of the 2003 draft, the two-sport star from Michigan never played for the Texans. He was traded to the Cowboys in 2004 for a third round pick. He played in just seven games with the Cowboys and finished his career with the Lions in 2008. less

Drew Henson
Picked in the sixth round of the 2003 draft, the two-sport star from Michigan never played for the Texans. He was traded to the Cowboys in 2004 for a third round pick. He played in just seven ... more

Sage Rosenfels
Signed as a free agent after five seasons with the Redskins and Dolphins, Rosenfels played three seasons with the Texans, filling in as a starter when Matt Schaub was injured. Rosenfels was traded to the Vikings in February 2009. After stints with the Giants and Dolphins, Rosenfels returned to the Vikings in 2011. Rosenfels made his first start for the Texans in a 2007 24-17 win over the Raiders. He went 11 for 19 for 181 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT. less

Sage Rosenfels
Signed as a free agent after five seasons with the Redskins and Dolphins, Rosenfels played three seasons with the Texans, filling in as a starter when Matt Schaub was injured. Rosenfels was ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer , Chronicle

Sage Rosenfels
Signed as a free agent after five seasons with... Photo-4597159.61970 - Houston Chronicle

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Matt Baker
Signed as an undrafted free agent in May 2006, the North Carolina product was released two months later. After having practice squad stints with the Cowboys, Saints, Cardinals, Dolphins and Bills, Baker has been out of football since 2008. less

Matt Baker
Signed as an undrafted free agent in May 2006, the North Carolina product was released two months later. After having practice squad stints with the Cowboys, Saints, Cardinals, Dolphins and Bills, ... more

Photo: Getty Images

Matt Baker
Signed as an undrafted free agent in May 2006, the... Photo-4597160.61970 - Houston Chronicle

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Quinton Porter
The former Boston College signal-caller joined the Texans as an undrafted free agent in May 2006 and was released in August 2007. He finished his career as a member of the CFL's Montreal Alouettes in 2013. less

Quinton Porter
The former Boston College signal-caller joined the Texans as an undrafted free agent in May 2006 and was released in August 2007. He finished his career as a member of the CFL's Montreal ... more

Bradlee Van Pelt
A seventh-round selection by the Broncos in 2004, Van Pelt served as a backup for the Texans in 2006 but never played in any regular season games. The Colorado State product finished his career with stints in the Italian and British football leagues. less

Bradlee Van Pelt
A seventh-round selection by the Broncos in 2004, Van Pelt served as a backup for the Texans in 2006 but never played in any regular season games. The Colorado State product finished his ... more

Matt Schaub
Traded from the Falcons to the Texans for two second round picks in March 2007,
Schaub posted a 46-44 record in his seven seasons with the Texans. The Virginia product was traded to the Raiders in March 2014 for a sixth-round draft pick. Schaub's first start for the Texans (Week 1 of 2007 season) was a success as the Texans rolled to a 20-3 drubbing of the Kansas City Chiefs. Schaub went 16 of 22 for 225 yards with a TD and an INT. Schaub is currently a backup for the Baltimore Ravens. less

Matt Schaub
Traded from the Falcons to the Texans for two second round picks in March 2007, Schaub posted a 46-44 record in his seven seasons with the Texans. The Virginia product was traded to the Raiders ... more

Photo: Karen Warren , Chronicle

Matt Schaub
Traded from the Falcons to the Texans for two... Photo-4597165.61970 - Houston Chronicle

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Jared Zabransky
An undrafted free agent out of Boise State, Zabransky was signed to the Texans practice squad in 2007. He was released months later. He finished his career with the CFL's Edmonton Eskimos in 2011. less

Jared Zabransky
An undrafted free agent out of Boise State, Zabransky was signed to the Texans practice squad in 2007. He was released months later. He finished his career with the CFL's Edmonton Eskimos in ... more

Shane Boyd
The former Kentucky QB appeared in two preseason games in 2007. He's currently a member of the Arena Football League's Arizona Rattlers.

Shane Boyd
The former Kentucky QB appeared in two preseason games in 2007. He's currently a member of the Arena Football League's Arizona Rattlers.

Photo: Brett Coomer , Chronicle

Shane Boyd
The former Kentucky QB appeared in two preseason... Photo-4597167.61970 - Houston Chronicle

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Craig Nall
The former Packers backup was signed and released by the Texans during both the 2007 and 2008 seasons. He finished his career with the UFL's Florida Tuskers in 2009.

Craig Nall
The former Packers backup was signed and released by the Texans during both the 2007 and 2008 seasons. He finished his career with the UFL's Florida Tuskers in 2009.

Photo: Matthew Stockman, Getty Images

Craig Nall
The former Packers backup was signed and released... Photo-4597168.61970 - Houston Chronicle

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Quinn Gray
The former Jaguars backup was signed by the Texans during the 2008 offseason but was released before the start of training camp. He completed his playing career with the UFL's New York Sentinels.

Quinn Gray
The former Jaguars backup was signed by the Texans during the 2008 offseason but was released before the start of training camp. He completed his playing career with the UFL's New York Sentinels.

Photo: Kevin Fujii , Chronicle

Quinn Gray
The former Jaguars backup was signed by the Texans... Photo-4597169.61970 - Houston Chronicle

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Alex Brink
The Texans drafted Brink in the seventh round of the 2008 draft and released him in September 2009. The Washington State product last played for the CFL's Winnipeg Blue Bombers in 2012.

Alex Brink
The Texans drafted Brink in the seventh round of the 2008 draft and released him in September 2009. The Washington State product last played for the CFL's Winnipeg Blue Bombers in 2012.

Dan Orlovsky
Orlovsky started seven games for the Lions in 2008 before signing with the Texans as an unrestricted free agent in March 2009. He appeared in one game for the Texans in 2010 and was released in July 2011. Orlovsky is currently a backup in Detroit. less

Dan Orlovsky
Orlovsky started seven games for the Lions in 2008 before signing with the Texans as an unrestricted free agent in March 2009. He appeared in one game for the Texans in 2010 and was released in ... more

Rex Grossman
The former Florida star who led the Bears to the Super Bowl, signed a one-year deal with the Texans in 2009 to be the No. 3 quarterback. He instead, served as Matt Schaub's backup and following the season, he signed with Washington. He was released by the Atlanta Falcons before the 2015 season. less

Rex Grossman
The former Florida star who led the Bears to the Super Bowl, signed a one-year deal with the Texans in 2009 to be the No. 3 quarterback. He instead, served as Matt Schaub's backup and following ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer , Chronicle

Rex Grossman
The former Florida star who led the Bears to the... Photo-4597172.61970 - Houston Chronicle

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John David Booty
A fifth-round pick of the Vikings in 2008, the USC product signed with the Texans in January 2010 and was released prior to the start of the 2010 season. He's been out of football ever since. less

John David Booty
A fifth-round pick of the Vikings in 2008, the USC product signed with the Texans in January 2010 and was released prior to the start of the 2010 season. He's been out of football ever ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer , Chronicle

John David Booty
A fifth-round pick of the Vikings in 2008,... Photo-4597173.61970 - Houston Chronicle

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Tyler Sheehan
Signed as an undrafted free agent out of Bowling Green in May 2010, Sheehan was released a month later. He last played for the Cincinnati Commando (an indoor football team) in 2012.

Tyler Sheehan
Signed as an undrafted free agent out of Bowling Green in May 2010, Sheehan was released a month later. He last played for the Cincinnati Commando (an indoor football team) in 2012.

Matt Leinart
Picked by the Cardinals with the 10th pick in the 2006 draft, the former Heisman Trophy winner signed with the Texans in September 2010. Leinart started one game in 2011 against the Jaguars, but was injured in the first half. He was released by the Texans on March 12, 2012. Leinart started one game for the Texans: a 2011 victory over the Jaguars. He was injured in the first half, but still managed 10 completions, 57 yards and a touchdown. Leinart is out of football and working as a college football TV analyst. less

Matt Leinart
Picked by the Cardinals with the 10th pick in the 2006 draft, the former Heisman Trophy winner signed with the Texans in September 2010. Leinart started one game in 2011 against the Jaguars, but ... more

T.J. Yates
Yates was selected in the 5th round of the 2011 draft by the Texans. He was forced into the starting position when Matt Leinart was injured against the Jaguars. Yates clinched the first playoff berth for the Texans and also won the first playoff game in franchise history. The Texans dealt him to the Falcons in June 2014 for linebacker Akeem Dent. In Yates' first start with Houston, as a rookie in 2011, he led the Texans to a 17-10 win over the Atlanta Falcons. He went 12 for 25 for 188 yards with 1 TD and 0 INTs. Yates was released by the Falcons before the 2015 season. He returned to the Texans after Ryan Mallett was released during the 2015 season, coming off the bench to lead them to a Monday night victory at Cincinnati. less

T.J. Yates
Yates was selected in the 5th round of the 2011 draft by the Texans. He was forced into the starting position when Matt Leinart was injured against the Jaguars. Yates clinched the first playoff ... more

Photo: Smiley N. Pool , Chronicle

T.J. Yates
Yates was selected in the 5th round of the 2011... Photo-4597176.61970 - Houston Chronicle

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Kellen Clemens
A second-round pick by the Jets in 2006, Clemens was signed by the Texans on November 23, 2011 to help with a depleted quarterback staff due to the injuries to Matt Schaub and Matt Leinart. He was waived on December 6, 2011, to make roster room for Jeff Garcia. less

Kellen Clemens
A second-round pick by the Jets in 2006, Clemens was signed by the Texans on November 23, 2011 to help with a depleted quarterback staff due to the injuries to Matt Schaub and Matt Leinart. He ... more

Jake Delhomme
Delhomme was signed by the Saints as an undrafted free agent in 1997. After spending years on the practice squad, he went overseas for two seasons. He made his return by signing with the Panthers and leading them to a berth in Super Bowl XXXVIII in his first season in Carolina. He signed with the Texans on November 29, 2011 to help with the depleted QB staff due to injuries to Matt Schaub and Matt Leinart. less

Jake Delhomme
Delhomme was signed by the Saints as an undrafted free agent in 1997. After spending years on the practice squad, he went overseas for two seasons. He made his return by signing with the ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer , Chronicle

Jake Delhomme
Delhomme was signed by the Saints as an... Photo-4597178.61970 - Houston Chronicle

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Jeff Garcia
Garcia was an undrafted free agent with the Canadian Football League in 1994. He made his NFL debut in 1999 with the San Francisco 49ers. He signed with the Texans in order to backup T.J. Yates on December 6, 2011. He is currently an assistant coach in the CFL. less

Jeff Garcia
Garcia was an undrafted free agent with the Canadian Football League in 1994. He made his NFL debut in 1999 with the San Francisco 49ers. He signed with the Texans in order to backup T.J. Yates ... more

John Beck
A second-round draft pick of the Miami Dolphins in 2007, Beck came in the league as a third-string QB behind Trent Green and Cleo Lemon. Beck signed with the Texans on May 9, 2012 and was released October 3, 2012 to make room on the roster for Troy Nolan. less

John Beck
A second-round draft pick of the Miami Dolphins in 2007, Beck came in the league as a third-string QB behind Trent Green and Cleo Lemon. Beck signed with the Texans on May 9, 2012 and was released ... more

Case Keenum
Keenum was signed as an undrafted free agent after the 2012 draft. The decorated UH star started eight games (0-8 record) during the 2013 season. The Texans released Keenum just a week before the start of the 2014 season. In Keenum's first start as a Texan, a 17-16 loss to the Chiefs in 2013, he completed 15 of his 25 passes for 271 yards, including a 29-yard touchdown to Deandre Hopkins. Keenum didn't throw a interception, but he did have a costly fumble on what turned out to be the Texans final possession. Keenum is currently the St. Louis Rams' backup quarterback. less

Case Keenum
Keenum was signed as an undrafted free agent after the 2012 draft. The decorated UH star started eight games (0-8 record) during the 2013 season. The Texans released Keenum just a week before the ... more

Stephen McGee
A fourth-round pick by the Cowboys in the 2009 draft, McGee was cut by the Cowboys on September 1, 2012. He signed a Reserve/Future contract with the Texans on January 24, 2013. The Texans waived him on Aug. 26, 2013. less

Stephen McGee
A fourth-round pick by the Cowboys in the 2009 draft, McGee was cut by the Cowboys on September 1, 2012. He signed a Reserve/Future contract with the Texans on January 24, 2013. The Texans ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

Stephen McGee
A fourth-round pick by the Cowboys in the 2009... Photo-6690354.61970 - Houston Chronicle

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Collin Klein
Klein was a Heisman Trophy finalist thanks to his outstanding 2012 season at Kansas State. He first appeared as a wide receiver for the Wildcats during the 2009 season, and made his first start at quarterback in a win against the Longhorns in the 2010 season. He joined the Texans as an undrafted free agent after the 2013 draft. Klein worked out for the team during rookie minicamp, but wasn't offered a contract. less

Collin Klein
Klein was a Heisman Trophy finalist thanks to his outstanding 2012 season at Kansas State. He first appeared as a wide receiver for the Wildcats during the 2009 season, and made his first start ... more

Ryan Fitzpatrick
On March 20, 2014, the Texans signed the veteran QB to a two-year deal. Months later during offseason workouts, new Texans head coach Bill O'Brien named Fitzpatrick his starter for the 2014 season. Fitzpatrick made his NFL debut, coincidentally, against the Texans as he passed for 310 yards and 3 TDs in a Rams' 33-27 win on November 11, 2005 at Reliant Stadium. Fitzpatrick went 6-6 as the Texans' starter in 2014 before being traded to the Jets the following offseason. less

Ryan Fitzpatrick
On March 20, 2014, the Texans signed the veteran QB to a two-year deal. Months later during offseason workouts, new Texans head coach Bill O'Brien named Fitzpatrick his starter for the 2014 ... more

Tom Savage
Projected to be the quarterback of the future, the Texans selected the Pitt product in the fourth-round of the 2014 draft.

Tom Savage
Projected to be the quarterback of the future, the Texans selected the Pitt product in the fourth-round of the 2014 draft.

Photo: Thomas B. Shea, Houston Chronicle

Tom Savage
Projected to be the quarterback of the future, the... Photo-6690357.61970 - Houston Chronicle

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Ryan Mallett
Acquired just before the 2014 season opener in a trade with the New England Patriots, Mallett has some familiarity with Texans coach Bill O’Brien and quarterbacks coach George Godsey, both of whom previously served as assistants with the Patriots. Mallett started six games in two seasons for the Texans before he was cut for chronic tardiness, including missing the team charter to Miami in October 2015. less

Ryan Mallett
Acquired just before the 2014 season opener in a trade with the New England Patriots, Mallett has some familiarity with Texans coach Bill O’Brien and quarterbacks coach George Godsey, both of ... more

Photo: Patric Schneider, Associated Press

Ryan Mallett
Acquired just before the 2014 season opener in a... Photo-7154789.61970 - Houston Chronicle

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Thaddeus Lewis
A journeyman signal-caller who was coached by Bill O'Brien for one season in college, Lewis was signed by the Texans when Ryan Mallett suffered a season-ending injury near the end of the 2014 season. Lewis signed with the Cleveland Browns in the offseason, but was released right before the 2015 season. less

Thaddeus Lewis
A journeyman signal-caller who was coached by Bill O'Brien for one season in college, Lewis was signed by the Texans when Ryan Mallett suffered a season-ending injury near the end of the 2014 ... more

Brian Hoyer
A journeyman who started for the Browns for parts of 2013 and 2014 was signed as a free agent to compete for the starting job with Ryan Mallett. He worked under then-offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien in New England. Hoyer was named the starter for the 2015 season, but was benched in the season opener before reclaiming the job after Ryan Mallett's struggles and tardiness. Hoyer than committed five turnovers in an ugly home playoff loss to Kansas City. less

Brian Hoyer
A journeyman who started for the Browns for parts of 2013 and 2014 was signed as a free agent to compete for the starting job with Ryan Mallett. He worked under then-offensive coordinator Bill ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

Brian Hoyer
A journeyman who started for the Browns for parts... Photo-8180973.61970 - Houston Chronicle

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Brandon Weeden
The former first-round bust in Cleveland was claimed off waivers from the Cowboys after Week 10 of the 2015 season in the wake of Brian Hoyer's concussion. After T.J. Yates was lost to a season-ending knee injury, Weeden came in and led the Texans to their first victory in Indianapolis, essentially wrapping up the AFC South title. less

Brandon Weeden
The former first-round bust in Cleveland was claimed off waivers from the Cowboys after Week 10 of the 2015 season in the wake of Brian Hoyer's concussion. After T.J. Yates was lost to a ... more

B.J. Daniels
With Brian Hoyer and T.J. Yates both out, the Texans signed B.J. Daniels off the Seattle Seahawks' practice squad. Daniels was a quarterback at South Florida, but converted to a wide receiver and kick returner with the Seahawks. less

B.J. Daniels
With Brian Hoyer and T.J. Yates both out, the Texans signed B.J. Daniels off the Seattle Seahawks' practice squad. Daniels was a quarterback at South Florida, but converted to a wide receiver ... more

The Texans lured him from the Super Bowl champion Broncos with a four-year, $72 million deal to be their 2016 starter and hopefully end the revolving door at the position during coach Bill O'Brien's tenure.